Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If there is misinformation, I am not responsible for it in this instance. We have a working group looking at this. The group reported earlier this year and the matter is being progressed as one of the early actions in the high-level action plan of the report of the commission of the Defence Forces. It is in black and white and was part of the negotiation in terms of Estimates for next year because we want to progress it next year.

Let me be clear: we made a commitment in the programme for Government to do this. There is a significant cost to it but we will progress it and get it down. There is no misinformation there. I am putting it on the record. This is something the Government is committed to doing and we will look to progress it next year. It is not straightforward to provide these services overnight.

It is important to congratulate PDFORRA for the work it has been doing on cross-Border healthcare for many of its members in the absence of progress on this issue in the past. A member of the Defence Forces, whether an officer or in the ranks, should get the same access to medical treatment. For those who serve in uniform, that should be a common health support the State provides and it is part of the deal when people sign up.

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